Drivers in Longwood may
soon be getting traffic tick-
ets in the mail, after the City
Commission voted unani-
mously to install a contro-
versial red-light camera sys-
tem.
Commissioner Joe Durso
gave the final vote with a
resounding "absolutely yes"
as the city decided to imple-
ment the system, taking a
74cue'from other local cities.
"I was surprisingly sat-
isfied with all the answers
pertaining to my questions,"
Commissioner Mike Holt
said about the system.
The system would be
similar to the one already
implemented in Apopka
and Orlando, taking pic-
tures of the license plates of
red-light runners, and send-
ing tickets called a code
enforcement violation to
the owner of the vehicle,
regardless of who was driv-
ing at the time.
Apopka was one of the,
first cities in Florida to
adopt the system. That sys-
tem ticketed 800 cars dur-
ing an eight-month test
period, with red light run-
ners decreasing drastically
during that time period.
Winter Springs is preparing
to implement a similar test
period.
But many studies across
the country show that while
the tickets increased reve-
nue for local governments,
they also led to substantial
increases in accidents.
Though Apopka's Police
Department took detailed

> turn to CAMERAS on page A4

-H10 ) BY ISAAC BABCOUCK- -I Ht VUI
Sharon Rousey, a member of the Seminole County Special Education Parent Teacher Association, questions the school board about the future of the school system,
faced with dwindling funding from the state. Teachers and parents by the hundreds gathered at Milwee Elementary on March 11 to learn what the district is doing to survive:

ISAAC BABCOCK

Hundreds of concerned parents and
teachers filled the cafeteria at Milwee
Middle School on Wednesday night,
March-11, to hear the good news
and bad newsabout the fate of their
school district. And it was mostly bad
news.
Seminole County Schools super-
intendent Bill Vogel brought graphs,

charts, facts and figures to show just
how bad his. district's dire economic
straits were, and then to tell the gath-
ered crowd what he planned to do
about it before it was too late.
"We're right at the breaking point,"'
Vogel said, standing in front of a room
that was all-ears for any good news.
He occasionally cut the tension
of the room with a joke to keep the
mood light, but the overall tone
stayed the same the economy is

down, and we need more of the dwin-
dling pool of tax dollars, and fast, to
save our schools.
"If you could all go out and buy a
new car, that would help," Vogel said.
"Seriously, its those tax dollars that
pay for this."
And it's those tax dollars that are
rapidly shrinking away, he said. The
vast majority of the school district's

> turn to FUNDING on page A4

Seminole County is wres-
tling with a $42.5 million
budget shortfall and that
gap is likely to keep grow-
ing. A tax hike is one pro-
posed remedy.
Just a month ago, the
Seminole County Property
Appraiser predicted a $35

million shortfall for the fis-
cal year beginning Oct. 1.
The office's latest projec-
tion is double what it was
in the summer.
County Commissioner
Mike McLean said it
wouldn't surprise him if
by fall the amount is even

greater.
"There's no indication
that the tide will be mov-
ing the other way anytime
soon," McLean said.
The county has already
trimmed its budget by $30
million in the last -two
years. The adjustment is
a product of a continued
decline in major revenue
sources lately sales and

gas taxes, Seminole County
Fiscal Services Director Lisa
Spriggs said.
To remedy this, staff has
proposed a "three-legged
stool" approach: increase
revenue through. a tax
increase and a storm water
assessment fee, cut another
$10 million from the $987

The strongest earthquake in U.S. history, measuring 8.4 on the
Richter scale, slammed southern Alaska, creating a deadly tsunami.
Some 125 people were killed and thousands injured. The tidal wave,
which measured over -100 feet at points, devastated towns along
the Gulf of Alaska and caused carnage in British Columbia, Hawaii,
and the West Coast of the United States.

Oviedo business owners

ISAAC BABCOCK
THE VOICE
Some Oviedo business own-
ers begged the City Council
last week to help bring
more business to the city. At
the Monday Council meet-
ing they told the city that
it wasn't doing enough to
attract business, and that
business is going elsewhere,
along with customers.
John Tsaldaris and busi-
ness partner Jeff Aames'
cars were both in the park-
ing lot, advertising their J&J
Creations gift baskets busi-
ness on the sides. They're
hoping to do more business
in the area, but Tsaldaris said
when he wants to shop or

enjoy a night on the town, it the Council is doing what it
happens outside Oviedo. *can to help keep businesses
"I live in Oviedo; I work in alive.
Oviedo, but I play in Winter "It's not Oviedo's fault
Springs, because there's that the economy went this
just nothing to do here," he way," Councilman Steve
said. Henken said. 'We're doing
He asked the city to bring everything we can to try
together an event commit- to make it better for busi-
tee, to try to attract busi- nesses. I think we have done
nesses and potential cus- leaps and bounds to help
tomers to the area. out."
"You have to start think- That includes a sign ordi-
ing outside the box," he nance that allows business-
said. "You can't help busi- es to temporarily have extra
ness when there's no busi- signage near the roadside to
ness here. You need to bring attract more business. But
them in." some-business owners com-
But Oviedo City Council plained about the ordinance
members said that a broad- not being good enough.
er problem is helping to So far only a handful
halt businesses, and that of businesses have taken

getting i
advantage of the ordi-
nance, according to devel-
opment services director
Bryan Cobb. The ordinance
has been in effect since
October.
"Everybody screamed
about that, and nobody
signed up for it," Henken
said.
Mayor Mary Lou Andrews
said that a bad economy
,may also be to blame for
their businesses' woes. She
also said that nearby cities
may offer consumer and
recreation opportunities
that Oviedo doesn't, but
that those businesses may
be coming in the future.
"In Winter Springs' Town
Center you can get a cup of

restless
coffee there and listen to
music and just kind of relax
with friends," Andrews said.
"Yeah, [Tsaldaris] does have
a place to go there. But
you'll talk to other people
who will say Oviedo has a
ton of stuff to do."
Despite an economic
downturn and uncertainty
about business growth, the
mayor said she's confident
that the city is helping to
draw more businesses in,
including the proposed hos-
pital, which could poten-
tially add more than 100
jobs in Oviedo.
"We're doing everything
we can to help," she said.

Splash playground to open
The new Trotwood Park
splash playground will offi-
cially open to the public at
10 a.m. Saturday, April 11.:
. .. Renovations to. the park
include the new splash play-
ground and pump house, a
restroom and storage build-
ing, and an additional pavil-
ion.
"Bring your bathing suit,"
Bush told the commission-
ers, who will attend the rib-
bon-cutting ceremony.
Memberships will be
available for purchase
that day. Before April 30,

Seminole County residents
can purchase an annual pass
for $10. It's $15 after that
date. There are also family
rates available.
Non-residents pay $10
per visit, an attempt to
deter out-of-county sum- ,
mer camps from busing
kids in, which causes the
feature to reach capacity
and residents to have to
wait longer for a turn to
frolic in the water jets.

Tax breaks for biz
Winter Springs residents
may get to decide if new

or expanding businesses
should get tax breaks.
The City Commission, on
Monday, March 9, approved
the first reading of the ordi-
nance that would allow the
measure to be placed in a
referendum. If approved by
voters in November 20.10,
it would allow businesses
to exempt real and tangible
property from ad valorem
taxes for 10 years. It could
then be renewed for anoth-
er 10 years with another
referendum. ,
The city hopes this will
attract businesses to the city
and encourage established
-businesses to. expand or
redevelop there.

"This is a good thing,"
Winter Springs Mayor
John Bush said after it was
approved unanimously
without discussion. It will
come back for final approv-
al next month.

Message board considered.
The City Commission also
reviewed plans to install an
electronic message board
on the City Hall monu-
ment sign or on the face of
the building, in the hopes.
of improving communica-
tion with citizens about the
goings-on at City Hall and
for special events.
Adding a message board
to the existing monu-

ment sign could cost up to
$19,000, and getting a new
sign with a board within it
could cost up to $50,000.
Mounting a board on the
building could cost up to
$14,000.
Commissioner Gary
Bonner supported the idea
but questioned the timing.
"Does this need to neces-
sarily be a go-ahead direc-
tion today with an unfund-
ed mandate," he asked, "or
do we put this into our bud-
get planning cycle as some-
thing that we look at?"
The commissioners voted
unanimously to include the
item in an upcoming bud-
get workshop.

Man made lewd comments toboys in theater

JENNY ANDREASSON:
THE VOICE
Police are looking for a man
they say made inappropri-
ate advances on three boys-
inaan Oviedotheater.
The boys told police that
a white male, who was with.
a woman, placed his right
hand on a boy's thigh and

asked, "Do you want to get
closer?" After the boys took
seats in another row, the
man followed and asked if
the boys wanted to show
theirprivates.
-The man and- woman
were gone when police
arrived. The boys identi-
fled the man in a surveil-
lance video, Oviedo Police

spokesman Lieutenant
George Ilemsky wrote in a
press release.
If you know the where-
abouts or carn identify the
person pictured, you may
be eligible for' a reward of
as much as $1,000. You can
remain anonymous. Call
Central Florida CrimeLine
at 1-800-423-8477.

You may also contact
the Criminal Investigations
Division at the Oviedo
Police Department at 407-
971-5710.
Ilemsky said Wednesday
that police have not identi-
fied a suspect, but detectives
are receiving calls from resi-
dents who believe they can
identify the man.

Police seek the identity of this man,
whom three boys accused of lewd acts.

Substation dedicated in name of fallen officer'

JENNY ANDREASSON
THE VOICE

The Winter Springs Police substa-
tion was dedicated Monday, March
9, in the name of the force's only
fallen officer.
Officer Mark Messeguer, 31, died
of a heart attack on Sept. 17, 1997.
After his death, his father, Manny
Messeguer, said he was amazed at
how the department and the city
came together to support his fam-
ily.
"I can't thank them enough,"
Manny said before the dedica-
tion ceremony. "Ever since they've
been a real friend matter of fact,
they've been family."

Naming the substation the Mark
Messeguer Service Center solidified
for the family how the city regards
the patrol officer, who spent count-
less hours volunteering and putting
on community relations events.
"The Messeguerfamilyis veryglad
this community feels about Mark
the way they do," Manny said in a
brief speech to about 100 officers,
city officials and staff, and residents
gathered outside the Vistawilla
Office Center, which houses the
department's new digs.
The location, at 1511 E. State
Road 434, is ideal because it's near
Highway 417, a vein by which crime
enters the city, Mayor John Bush
said.

"Police cars parked there serve as
a deterrent," he said.
Chief Kevin Brunelle said the
location will improve response
times in the east side of the city
because officers will no longer have
to trek back to the station on Moss
Road to complete reports.
"It keeps officers in their prospec-
tive zones," Brunelle said. "Reports
can be submitted right here."
The office has several computer
workstations for the officers. It's
open to the public Monday through
Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A "ring
down" phone will be installed on
the exterior of the building for after-
hours access to officers, he said.
The office is at no cost to the city,

except for an electricity bill, he said.
It was donated to the department
by Office Center managers Dave
McLeod and Tom Corkery.
Brunelle hopes to make the cen-
ter full-service within five years,
adding a records person, detective
and receptionist. That will only
highlight the contributions of the
center's namesake.
"This means what we do in the
community' is received .when
we are able to name it after such
a good officer we remember and
it's received by the community,"
Brunelle said.

The Seminole Voice publishes every other Friday for readers in Oviedo,
Winter Springs, Geneva, Chuluota, Casstleberry, Longwood Sanford, Altamonte
Springs and their neighbors.
Seminole Voice began publishing in 1991. Its current owner is Observer Newspa-
pers, which also publishes the Winter Park-Maitland Observer newspaper.
,The Seminole Voice is free for a sing issue, additional copies are 50c each.

Talk with us about news stories at
407-563-7000. Ask for Isaac Babcock.

Help us correct mistakes by writing
to editor@observemewspapers.com or
by calling 407-563-7000 and asking
for Associate Editor Isaac Babcock.

If you think we can do a better job
serving you, please let us know.

Renew your subscription or start a
new one by calling 407-563-7000. A
year's subscription costs just $24.80.

Advertise in The Voice by calling Tracy
Craft at 407-563-7000.

The Voice cares about environmen-
tal health. The newspaper you hold
comes from a mixture of recycled con-
tent Unsold copies of the newspaper
are archived or recycled. We also re-
cycle all in-office paper waste, bottles
and cans.

Some years ago I received
a birthday card that read,
"The best flowers come
from our very own garden."
I've always loved the senti-
ment that unique beauty
often quietly grows nearby,
in the carefully tended
beds under our kitchen
windows, in the bountiful
hanging pots adorning our
patios, and sometimes even
in the pasture of wildflow-
ers just across the road. It's
not about possession so
much as it is the t.l.c. that
fosters the growing a nur-
turing, appreciative envi-
ronment that allows our
seedlings to take root and
blossom.
'Recently I shared that
four of our local teens not
only won the state cham-
pionship for the Junior
Cattlemen's Association but
had also brought home the
,$500 national prize at the

first National Cattlemen's
Beef Association Youth
Competition held in
Phoenix, AZ in January. We
are so proud of Brittany
Warren, Cody Corson,
JK Yarborough, and Tom
Richmond.
Brittany took time out
of her busy schedule to
share with us what it takes
to prepare and win such an
event.
"We spent a lot of time
studying before the nation-
al contest. We would meet
two or three times a week,
This was my first national
competition. We also won
the state competition in
2007. Our state offers so
many different competi- -
tions like team marketing,
quiz bowl, and opportuni-
- ties to run for junior offi-
cers."
Brittany described the
different strengths that

each member brings to
the team. "JK and Cody
remember the business
questions since they both
deal with the business por-
tion of the cattle business
themselves. Tom remem-
bers nutrition and diseases
and I know the reproduc-
tion questions since I did a
year of team marketing on
embryo transfer."
What did Brittany learn
from the experience? "The
Quiz Bowl taught me about
cattle and the industry
behind it. It also helped
me improve my study and
memory skills in other
areas of my life."
By the way the trip to
Phoenix wasn't 100% work.
The teens found time to see
the Grand Canyon and a
big snowball fight too. They
surely earned it!
Brittany is in 11th grade
and is homeschooled. She
shows beef steers through
her 4-H club at the Central
Florida Fair and often helps
family and friends work
their cows. After she gradu-
ates from high school she
plans to attend college in
North Florida. Like most
16 year olds her plans after
that aren't clear. "I will

probably work for my fam-
ily in the construction busi-
ness, find something in the
cattle industry, or become a
cosmetologist."
Yes, the best often does
grow within our own fam-
ily and community gar-
dens. It goes to show what
happens when our young
people are immersed in an
industry they enjoy and are
challenged to do their best.
Congratulations to our
dynamite SCJCA Quiz Bowl
Team!
Speaking of priceless
treasures, don't forget the
Antique Appraisal Fair on
Saturday March 28 at the
Geneva Community Center
from 10 a.m to 3 p.m.
Experienced appraisers
will be on hand represent-
ing different companies
that specialize in jewelry,
currency, vintage items,
china, historic items, fur-
niture, rugs, glass, bronzes,
and also collectibles
such as toys, models, and
dolls. (They are donating
their time for the event.)
There will be a $5 per item
donation to the Geneva
Historical Society for the
appraisals.
Everyone had a great

time at the Strawberry
Festival last Saturday-it
was a really fun event with
the great food, delicious
strawberries, antique cars,
and the bounce houses for
the kids. Thanks to all who
made it happen at the First
United Methodist Church.
Did you notice (how
could you not!) the new
sign outside our Historic
Geneva Schoolhouse?
Remember every little
donation counts. We only
need to sell one hundred
bricks and we'll meet that
$5,000 goal which will
ensure a matching $5,000
grant.

>- KAREN
Please share your thoughts about
Geneva at 407-221-7002,
karenp@theoviedovoice.com
with "Stetson's Corner" in, the sub-
ject line, or fax 407-349-2800.
Thanks!
This column is dedicated to
Deputy Sheriff Gene "Stetson"
Gregory, killed in the line of duty
on July 8, 1998. Geneva will never
be the same because of Deputy
Gregory it will be better.

FUNDING I Seminole schools already some of worst-funded in state, country

< continued from the front page

money comes from some form of
tax dollars. More than 40 percent of,
the school district's money comes
from property taxes, which took a
big hit when voters passed amend-
ment one in 2008 to increase porta-
bility of property tax breaks when
homeowners move to new homes,
crippling local municipal and
school budgets.
The result of that hit, combined
with the downturn in the economy,
is a 20 percent drop in funding over
the course of the last three school
years.
"Think of any organization or
business trying to absorb a cut
like that," Vogel said. The chart he
pointed to while talking about the
overall budget looked like a train
track headed off a cliff straight
ahead a few years ago, leading up to
a rapid dropoff, the worst of which
is still to come.
Vogel projected that in the 2009-
10 school year the budget would
be down to $357 million. Two years
earlier it was $469 million.

Despite that seemingly large fig-
ure, the Seminole County school
district is still one of the worst-
funded in the state, in one of the
worst-funded states in the country,
according to Vogel's numbers.
As of the 2007-08 school year,
New Jersey which spent the most
of any state on funding per student
- was spending more than twice
what Seminole County was. Now,
Vogel said, that number is closer to
three times the current Seminole
County per-student funding value,
which is $5,542.
Despite the meager funding, test
scores and school grades remain
high in Seminole County, but Vogel
said that more cuts in the future
could make that difficult to main-
tain.
In the meantime, classes deemed
non-essential, such as music, art
and physical education, are watch-
ing class size explode, and teachers
are being laid off. Last year more
than 200 teachers lost their jobs
and their classes were discontinued
while students were shuffled into
larger classes.

Last year the district closed sum-
mer school, and raised tempera-
tures in classrooms to cut down on
cooling costs. Some principals are
considering more drastic measures.
"We're looking at what classes
we can fill up with more students,
and even cutting back our janito-
rial budgets," Robin Dehlinger said.
"After school we're emptying trash,
but not mopping the floors any-
more."
Field trips have already disap-
peared, and more outside education
could end soon, Milwee Principal
Michelle Walsh said.
Even teachers are paying money
out of their own paychecks to
keep their district afloat, donating
$115,000 last year back into their
schools, Vogel said.
The school board has taken sug-
gestions from parents and teachers
on ways to cut even more spending,
including cutting the school week
back to four days.
"Some school districts in
Wyoming have tried it, and they've
saved a lot of money," Vogel said.
"So that is one possibility."

Absent any more money from
the state, the federal budget or local
taxes, those ideas could become a
reality.
But Vogel said he's optimistic
about the district's chances of get-
ting more money from the national
budget, including $22 million from
the economic stimulus package.
"If we don't get that stimulus
money, we'll never dig ourselves out
of this," he said.
Residents would still need to pay
a little more money to make up
for another $30 million in budget
shortfall. Vogel suggested a 1 mil
increase in property taxes, amount-
ing to about $225 per year for a
homeowner living in a $250,000
home. That would bridge that $30
million gap. He also suggested alco-
hol and tobacco taxes, which have
worked in other areas.
The goal, he said, is to stay afloat
until the economy, and funding,
stabilizes, and then school districts
can breathe a sigh of relief.
"Our goal is to be the last one
standing," Vogel said.

notes on how many tickets
were handed out and how
much money was. pulled
in, Chief Charles Vavrek
said that compiling statis-
tics on whether the cam-
eras reduced accidents at
the intersections they were
installed would be too dif-
ficult.
Several camera studies
have shown that accidents
and injuries at intersec-
tions with red-light cam-

to an increase in rear-end
impacts and in at least
one city, accidents at inter-
sections increased through-.
out the city after cameras
were installed.
In Houston a study of
red-light cameras in 2008
showed accidents doubled
at intersections with red
light cameras. Houston
mayor Bill White is now
involved in a lawsuit alleg-
ing he suppressed that study
and attempted to alter

numbers to make the cam-
eras seem to improve safety
rather than reducing it.
The Virginia Department
of Transportation found
accidents increased 29
percent in that state, with
increases as much as 89 per-
cent. in one city.
A University of South
Florida study in 2008 ana-
lyzed red-light camera sys-
tems nationwide, conclud-
ing that, in the interest of
safety, cities should not
install the systems to avoid

increasing accidents.
"Public policy should
avoid conflicts of interest
that enhance revenues for
government and private
interests at the risk of pub-
lic safety," the study stated.
But Longwood city com-
missioners said they were
satisfied that the system
is a good idea. After con-
sulting with city staff,
Commissioner Holt said
that he's happy with the
system.
"I find that this is a great

ordinance that the city
ought to pass." Holt said.
In a final change before
voting, Commissioner
Butch Bundy asked that the
wording of the ordinance
be changed so that the city
could more easily raise fines
later. The tickets were to
begin with a $125 price.
The system could be
implemented as soon as
January, depending on
when the city can contract
with a red-light camera sys-
tem manufacturer.

n----^ AA j KJ_.-_ /o A-..*I re l 11 qnn

I

in ll Marh2Uvoie Pe

Welcome spring with a taste of culture

Today is the first day of
spring. Yeah, it is about
time and now I hope all
this cold weather is behind
us once and for all. I know
it is spring by the buds on
the trees, and my pineap-
ples are once again in full
tilt producing little ones. I
just cut off a nice size pine-
apple on Sunday and will
let it sit in the warm kitch-
en for a few days before it
becomes a part of a salad or
dessert. They have been so
juicy and sweet lately- the
melt in your mouth kind.
A taste of culture for
those of you that wish to
enjoy: A jazz concert 3
p.m. Sunday, March 22 will
be held at the Eastmonte
Park Civic Center, 830
Magnolia Drive, Altamonte
Springs. The Altamonte
Jazz Ensethble will present
saxophonist Daniel Jordan,
who-is currently tour-
ing with Arturo Sandoval.
Tickets are $5 per person.
Need more information?
Call 407-322-7528
The Artie Shaw
Orchestra will be in town
7 p.m. Wednesday, March
25 at the Lake Mary High
School Auditorium, 655
Longwood-Lake Mary
Road, Lake Mary. The Artie
Shaw Orchestra under the

musical direction of Rich
Chiaraluce will present a
concert. The band will play
hits including "Dancing in
the Dark", "The Nearness
of You", "Concerto for
Clarinet", "Frenesi", "Lady
Be Good" and "It had To Be
You". Vocalist Amy Parnell
from Lake Mary will also
perform with the band.
Tickets are $22 per person.
For more information,
please call 407-562-1924.
St. Luke's Concert
Series presents the
Lutheran Cantata Choir
and Chamber Orchestra
"Living in God's Time" 3
p.m. Sunday, March 29 at
St. Luke's Lutheran Church,
2021 W. S.R. 426, Oviedo.
This musical program will
also include choral and
orchestral works by Saint-
Saens, Bach, Brahms and -
noted organist/composer,
George Atwell. Featured
vocal soloists are Krista
Depenthal and quest art-
ists, Kimberly Randall and
Thomas Potter. Admission
to the concert and recep-
tion to follow is free.
March for Meals begins
8 a.m. Saturday, March 21
at the Sanford River Walk
on Seminole Boulevard,
Sanford. It will be a three-
mile pledge walk/run at the

Sanford Civic Center. Walk
registration begins 7:30
a.m. and all proceeds ben-
efit the Meals on Wheels
program in Seminole
County.
How about a hike in the
Geneva Wilderness Area
at 8 a.m. Saturday, March
28, at 3501 N. C.R 426 in
Geneva? The Seminole
County Natural Lands
Program will host the hike.
Bring water, a hat and wear
closed-toed shoes. Free
admission.
Come visit Lukas
Butterfly Encounter, but-
terfly nursery and habitat
at Lukas Nursery, 1900
Slavia Road, Oviedo. The
encounter is open Monday-
Saturday 9 am. to 4 p.m.
and Sunday 10 a.m. to
3 p.m. Tickets are $8 for
adults, seniors $7 and chil-
dren $6. If you need more
information, call 407-365-
6163
There's a plant sale from
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday,
March 21 at Harry P. Leu
Gardens, 1920 N. Forest
Avenue, Orlando. Plant
vendors will be selling a
variety of plants includ-
ing bamboo, bromeliads,
butterfly plants, camellias,
ferns, fruit plants, gi'gers,
roses, trees, vines and out-
door garden accessories.
Admission is free. Need
more information, call 407--
246-2620.
Coming up next month
so that you can mark your
calendars: Saturday, April
18 is the 15 Annual Taste
of Oviedo and the annual
Citrus Celery Cook-Off.

The event this year will be
held on Oviedo Boulevard
in and around the Oviedo
Aquatic Center. More infor-
mation will be provided at-
a later date.
Also mark the date of
Sunday, April 19 for the
Russian Ballet of Orlando
will present Snow White
and the Seven Dwarfs in
the Trinity Prep School
Auditorium. There will be
a Snow White tea party
at 12:30 p.m. and the
performance will start
at 2 p.m. You may go
online for tickets at www.
RussianBalletofOrlabndo.
org
How about learning a
little bit of History in the
month of March 1904
taken from the "Florida
Times- Uniori"?
In Oviedo, the Rev.
W. A. Nelson and wife of
Commerce, Ga., are the
quests of the family of Rev:
R. W. Lawton.
B.F. Wheeler, local agent
of the Atlantic Coast Line
Railway, is suffering with a
severe case of measles.
Joe Leinhart is selling
quantities of very fine cel-
ery, for which he receives
splendid prices, the market
for this vegetable being
unusually good.
The orange bloom this
spring is beyond the most
sanguine hopes of the
growers. The air is redolent
with the delightful odor.
A fish fry was enjoyed
by about a dozen happy
folks last Friday at the" big
sulphur springs" on Lake
Jesup. An abundance of the

finest fish and everything
else that was good to eat
was served by the ladies of
the party. E.Y. Mallory and
J.B. Polhill caught the fish
in Lake Jesup.
Nearly the entire popu-
lation pofChuluota is down
with the measles. In some
families there are not
enough well members to
wait on the sick.
Rev. W.L. Mahon of
Arcadia, spent Sunday here
and occupied the pulpit of
the Baptist Church at night.
Bell & Brother have
moved their shingle mill
from its former location on
the Seaboard Air Line to a
point on the Atlantic Coast
Line near here, where they
will be in close proxim-
ity to an immense supply
of cypress. Little did they
know that in May the mill
was consumed by fire and
the loss fell heavily upon
the proprietors, as this
was all the property they
owned. There was no insur-
ance on the mill.
A thought---Spring is
nature's way of saying "Let's
Party". Robin Williams
Drop me a line if you
have some news for the
Celery Lady celerystalks@
bellsouth.net

TOA JANET
Send word to Janet Foley about
events and let her know what's
going on around town by e-mailing
janetf@theoviedovoice.com.

Notes

Alice Marcus celebrated her 100th birthday
with family and friends at Share the Care's Adult
Day Care Center in Oviedo on Feb. 11. Mrs.
Marcus was born in Thomasville, Ga., on Feb.
5, 1909. She raised three children and spent
countless hours volunteering when she-lived in
Ohio. She moved in with her daughter and son
in law, Carol and Jim Morrison, 12 years ago;
Carol states that her mother "always loved to
garden and cook."

Share the Care Oviedo is located on the
grounds of St. Luke's Lutheran Church and
is open Monday through Friday from 7:30
a.m. until 5:30 p.m. For more information about
Share the Care call 407-423-5311 or visit
HelpforCaregivers.org.

The Paralyzed Veterans of America Central
FloridaChaptercommendedCongresswoman
Suzanne Kosmas (D-7th District) for recently
co-sponsoring the Veterans Health Care Budget
Reform and Transparency Act. About 1.75 mil-
lion Florida veterans- will stand to get more
predictable health care if approved by Congress
and the president.
The Partnership for Veterans Health Care
Budget Reform, of which Paralyzed Veterans
of America is a member, proposed the act. If
passed, the act would move appropriations
for the Veterans Administration's health care
services a year ahead, helping to ensure that
VA medical services aren't affected by late
appropriations.
In addition, the bill will help ensure sufficient
funding by requiring that its internal budget

model be shared publicly with Congress.
For additional information about advance
appropriations, visit FundingforVets.org. For
more on the local and national PVA, visit www.
pva.org and CentralFloridaPVA.org

Altamonte Springs-based Tri-City Electrical
Contractors, Inc. is under way on $2.6 mil-
lion of work at the new 429,785-square-
foot, 348-unit Tranquility Lakes Apartments in
Brandon, Fla., under its contract with Coastal
Construction Management, New Smyrna Beach.
Completion is slated for July 2009.

The 10 and under Oviedo Blackhawks base-
ball team won first place atthe USSSA Shootout
at Sleep Hollow IV Tournament in Leesburg on
March 15. The travel baseball team also won

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN LEACH
The Oviedo Blackhawks celebrate their win March
15. They go to the USSSA World Series in July.
first place champions in the 10 and under AAA
at the February President's Day Challenge III in
Leesburg. This won them a berth to the 2009
USSSA World Series to be held in July.

BUDGET I County could raise taxes, add storm water fee to offset budget shortfall

< continued from the front page

million budget, and tap the reserve
fund for $7 million, Spriggs said.
During the last four years, prop-
erty tax reform and a souring econ-
omy has caused the county to suffer
a $67 million decline in revenue.
What was already considered a low
tax rate got "dramatically" lower,
she said.
"Property tax reform came and
did a one-size-fits-all formula and
really devastated us," she said. "We're
looking at putting [the millage rate]

back to where it needed to be."
If the tax rate is tweaked up, it
should have little if any impact on
residents because of falling prop-
erty values, she said.
A storm water assessment fee is a
dedicated funding source for drain-
age and lake maintenance and
improvements. All seven Seminole
County cities have their own storm
water fee. If approved, unincorpo-
rated county homeowners would
be assessed about $70 a year.
To cut another $10 million from
the budget, the Commission is solic-

iting input from county employ-
ees and residents through a survey,
McLean said.
"That's where the rubber meets
the road," he said. "We've gotten
some good ideas and will bring-
them to the table in May (the next
scheduled budget discussion)."
Spriggs said they've pledged to
cut out any fat in the government
services but are finding that many
services, such as the library and
parks, are being used more than
ever. "People are using parks more
so they're not traveling so much,"

she said. "It's a double-edged sword
because usage usually goes up in
terms of downturns."
The county might also dip into
its reserves the county's "rainy
day" fund. "We built up the reserves
over the last couple of years to use
as economic stabilization when
the economy comes back," Spriggs
said.
And it will come back, McLean
said. "It's challenging times right
now, but times will change."

March 20 April 2, 2009 Page A

S minnia /nirp

aP e A6 March 20- A ri 9

Police find crack pipes, cocaine residue

BE ON THE LOOKOUT!
Crime, arrests and
-J! public safety news from
the Oviedo Police Department

By Lt. George Ilemsky

Vehicle burglaries
On March 9, a vehicle bur-
glary was reported on the
2700 block of Running
Springs Loop. Entry was
gained by smashing the rear
triangle-shaped window on
the driver's side. The perpe-
trator ripped the dash out,
stealing the. after-market
stereo.
On March 12, a theft
was reported by a husband
and wife while they were
working at a job site on the
4000 block of Heirloom
Rose Place. Evidently, the
wife said she saw a red-and-
grey-colored Dodge truck
parked next to their work
truck. While proceeding to
the work truck, the Dodge
with an unknown, tag sped
away. At this time the hus-
band went to meet his wife
to see what was going on,
and he noticed his Echo

-gas-powered tree trimmer
missing from the bed of his
work truck. He advised the
Echo trimmer was orange
and black and worth $200.
On March 14, a vehi-
cle burglary was reported
on the 500 block of Mead
Drive. The victim told police
that her Canon Powershot
camera and a Nuvi 260 GPS
were missing from inside
her vehicle. The passenger
side door was left unlocked.
On March 15, a vehicle
burglary was reported at
the Oviedo Marketplace
while the victim was work-
ing at the Regal Cinemas.
The victim reported that the
driver's side window was
smashed and her Garmin
GPS was missing from the
front windshield mount
and a Cobra radar detector
was stolen.

Police make arrests
Officers arrested two indi-
viduals for driving a stolen
vehicle and possession of
drug paraphernalia after a
.traffic stop on State Road
434 and Wood Street. A
search uncovered three
crack pipes with cocaine
residue.
On March 10, a dispute
between a couple of female
juveniles took a turn for
the worse when two juve-
niles met at a local park
to engage in mutual com-
bat. Unfortunately, one of
the females showed up at
the park with mostly male
friends. Witnesses stat-
ed that one of the female
juveniles was spat at and
punched in the nose by one
of the males. He was subse-
quently taken into' custody
for battery. There are better
ways to settle the score!
On March 11, an officer
driving in an unmarked
police car observed a male
sitting on a motorcycle in
the parking lot of the Taco
Bell on Mitchell Hammock
Road smoking marijuana. A
traffic stop as he attempted
to drive awaywas conducted
that confirmed the fact. The
driver stated he smoked a

bit to relax. He was charged
with possession of matijua-
na and drug paraphernalia.
It is a good thing he smoked
to relax, because the police
probably made him a little.
nervous!
On March 12, a traf-
fic stop for erratic driving
resulted in the driver being
charged with possession of
marijuana and drug para-
phernalia. Additionally,
his actions resulted in the
terms of his probation to be
violated. Nothing like call-
ing attention to yourself.
On March 13, an argu-
ment-between a husband
and wife over the husband's
allegedimproprietiesturned
physical and resulted in the
husband being arrested for
domestic battery.
On March 14, a traffic
stop for an altered registra-
tion resulted in the driver
and his passenger being
taken into custody. The
driver was charged with
driving with a suspend-
ed license and possession
.of a controlled substance
and so was the passenger.
Additionally, the driver had
an active warrant for vio-
lating the terms of his pro-
bation for possession of a

controlled substance. Know
who your friends are!
On March 15, a traffic
stop for littering resulted in
a passenger in the vehicle
being charged with posses-
sion of marijuana. The mar-
ijuana was located in a pack
of Marlboro Light cigarettes
the passenger said belonged
to him. Let's keep Oviedo
beautiful!
On March 15, a traf-
fic stop for unlawful speed
resulted in the juvenile
driver being charged with
driving without a driver's
license and being in posses-
sion of alcohol by a person
younger than 21. The pas-
senger who was also a juve-
nile was charged for being
in possession of alcohol by
a person younger than 21
as well. Let me see...speed-
ing, no driver's license, alco-
hol and no one old enough
to possess alcohol. I think
there is a lesson here some-
where.

Seminole County families are feel-
ing the emotional brunt of the
country's worst economic crisis
since the Great Depression, with
6.3 million jobs lost and the threat
of foreclosures.
Seminole Behavioral Healthcare
is the only program that serves to
help residents of Seminole County
and a portion of Volusia and Orange,
counties, said Jim Berko, the non-
profit organization's president and
CEO.
"The police sometimes bring
people over the bridge, and they
end up in our crisis unit," he said,
"as the police are obligated to take
people that are a danger to them-
selves and others to the nearest
public receiving facility."
As the demand for mental health
care rises in Seminole County, the
services provided by Seminole
Behavioral Healthcare will need to

Seminole Behavioral Healthcare, at 237 Fernwood Blvd. in Fern Park, operates a
24-hour, seven-days-a-week hotline for people dealing with mental health issues.
The number is 407-321-HELP (4357). It also offers treatment plans and an outpa-
tient children's program, a system of care that affords families the ability to access
counseling, case management, outreach and medication. For more information, visit
SeminoleCares.org.

be expanded. The annual budget
of $11 million, which is an equal
mix of federal and privateifunding,
will not be enough to meet growing
needs, such as the need for more
Baker Act beds.
Seminole County has a popu-
lation of 480,000 residents; the
requirement for a Baker Act facility
is one bed for every 10,000 residents.
Currently the facility holds 20 beds
and faces a potential demand for -
at minimum 40 beds, including
three or four beds for children.
To achieve this, the Center plans
to raise $1.2 million. So far it has

raised $300,000, which will pro-
vide nine beds by May. But the need
doesn't stop there.
Gary E. Teramae, the president
and CEO of Gulf States Credit
Union who has served on the cen-
ter's board for seven years, said the
Center needs more resources.
"There are many people that
for whatever reason have run into
problems in their. lives and they
find it difficult to cope with these
situations," he wrote in an e-mail.
"Some of these people will fall into
the court system and incorrectly be
determined to be a risk to society

and be incarcerated. Others do not
have the means to seek professional
treatment and go through life with-
out getting the needed help."
Seminole Behavioral Healthcare
cared for 3,919 residents in 2008
- including 417 children regard-
less of their ability to pay.
SeminoleBehavioralHealthcare's
services include counseling, crisis
stabilization, crisis therapy, school-
based outreach programs, alcohol
and drug abuse detoxification and
treatment, and outreach services
for the homeless.
Michele Saunders, director of
community services in Seminole
County, said mental health services
and systems of care have dwindled
over the last several years despite
population growth.
"We know the levels of resources
are stretched to their capacity and
beyond," Saunders said. "During
this economic crisis we are aware
of the increased demand for crisis
services."

The Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America formally
adopted the Production Code, which imposetl strict guidelines on
the portrayal of illegal drug trafficking, profanity, the portrayal of
clergy members as comic characters or villains, and the portrayal
of interracial relationships.

~ij
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1.3

Winter Springs held its first Mardi Gras cel ration this past week-
Send. The event kicked off on Friday with a pa de and the opening of
a carnival. On Saturday exotic cars lined BI b Boulevard. That
night, at the Gala Ball,4olunteers were hon and Commissioner
Rick Brown twirled his wife, Brenda, on the ce floor.

Children ages 11 to 15 can learn
the importance of leadership,
infant care, accident prevention
and basic CPR and first aid on
Friday, March 27 from 8:30 a.m.
to 4:30 p.m. at the Oviedo. Gym
on 148 Oviedo Blvd. The cost for
city residents is $45 and $60 for
non-city residents. The deadline
for registration is Friday, March
20 at 5 p.m. For more information
contact' Jenette McKinney at
407-971-5591 or jdmckinney@
cityofoviedo.net.

There is a My Tot and Me
program at the Oviedo Gym
on 148 Oviedo Blvd. for children
ages one to four, on Sunday,
March 29 from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
There will be games, craft time
and much more. The cost for
city residents is $5 and $8 for
non-city residents. Prepayment
and registration are required to
attend. For more information
contact Jenette McKinney at
407-971-5591 or jdmckinney@
_cityofoviedo.net.-

There is a Free To Be Me
program for children ages three
to five at the Oviedo Gym on 148
Oviedo Blvd., on Tuesday, March
24 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
There will be games, craft time
and much more. The cost for
city residents is $7 and $20 for
non-city residents. Prepayment
and registration are required to
attend. For more information
contact Jenette McKinney at
407-971-5591 or jdmckinney@
cityotoviedo.net.

Riverside Park in Oviedo is
offering a School's Out Fun Day
on Friday, March 27. Children aged
five to 12 can swim, play games,
and do arts and crafts. The cost is
S25 for Oviedo residents and $45
for non-city residents. For more
information call 407-971-5575.

This spring the Orlando Museum
of Art is hosting a variety of art
programs for students entering
grades one through five. The
session begins on Monday, March
30 and will continue until Friday,
April 3. Students will learn about
American artists inspired by
Florida's sights. The spring camp
at OMA will include creating
masterpieces each day and
exploring the current exhibition
"Therman Statom: Stories of the
New World," a glass installation
by a Florida native.
Students will be able to do
a variety of art projects, from
watercolor painting to sculpture.
Call 407-896-4231 for more
information.

Be/wenzdc'

KAREN McENANY-PHILLIPS
THE VOICE

Medieval castles, gondolas, and priceless art-
work-a faraway dream you say? Not for some
lucky Seminfile Courity students who will be
spending spring break visiting the heart of Italy
with teacher Marzia Vitali. Oviedo High School
is the only school in Seminole County to offer
four years of Italian foreign language classes, and
Vitali, originally from Rome, has been teaching
Italian and Spanish for 12 years, in addition to
offering a once in a lifetime trip for students.
"It's a nine or 10 day trip which fits into the
scheduled, vacation time," she said. "Over the
past eight years we've had groups as large as 40
or as small as six."
This year they will visit Milan, Venice, Assisi,
Florence, Siena and Rome and see the Vatican,
the Colosseum, works of Michelangelo, leather
factories and Murano glass making in Venice.
---*'i know Italy very well and can show my group
places they would not see on a regular tour,"
-4 1a

;S._-/75^ LPci4--

Vitali said.
The trip is not sponsored by the school, but came about.
from Vitali's desire to share her appreciation of the Italian
culture with her students. Vitali's husband is also from Rome
-aid both of their families still reside there.
Whartsurprises-her students the most?
"Wellit is very different from Orlando where Disney cre-
ates a world that is basically artificial, compared to Italy
where they may be standing in a field looking at a castle that
was built in the time of Christ," she said.
Past trips have also included visits to Sorrento where they
saw lemons the size of a human head, night trips up the
-, highest hill in Rome and sightseeing in Verona where Juliet's
balcony still beckons .. --.. .
"My students love the count rv and the language and many
have returned to study and live there after they graduate,"
saidVitali.
Caitlin Jaye, a senior at Oviedo High and student of Vitali's
for five years, plans on going to John Cabot University in
Rome after she graduates.
"This trip will allow me to visit my future college and

immerse myself in the Italian culture," Jaye
said. .. . .. .. . . .
Of course as soon as they return, Vitali
will start planning next year's trip. "We try
to give everyone enough time to save for
the trip and I try to make it affordable so as
many students as possible can go."
Her students agree-that this trip willhelp
them to fully experience the country, its
culture, and their love for it.
"I'm going to Italy to immerse myself in
the culture and gain a once-in-a-lifetime
experience ... I've been taking Italian for
3 years now, and now I'm finally going to
experience why," said Miranda Harmon, a
junior at Oviedo High.

...... ISA... . ,, n c re i th E V O IC E

land .. .. .. ... .. . --

Spring Break can't come soon enough for Vitali. "Where
else can you go that has such beautiful sights, wonderful
food, true Italian, and nice people who know how to have a
good time with life- all rolled into one place? We always have
a great time."

*AOhere e/5e Can tbai' /7a5 5- C/i

tue rid an!; and 071,. eq /e o

e -a ll.. . .. .0. "l / Ce ? ")e -a 5.e
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D .--A A A--- n -. ')O nOnGA

Calendar

The Trailblazer 5K Run/Walk will be held
Saturday, March 2f, at the Timacuan Country
Club at 550 Timacuan Blvd. in Lake Mary.
Tickets purchased on March 20 are $25; race-
day tickets are $30. Run begins at 8 a.m.
from Timacuan Country Club down Timacuan
Boulevard to the Rinehart Road recreational
trail, then down the trail to the finish line
at Trailhead Park. For more information, visit
BeaTrailblazer.com
Come join the "Mane" Attraction for a morn-
ing of dance and fun at the Oviedo High
School Dance Clinic from 9.a.m. to noon on
Saturday, March 21. Learn dance skills and
perform a dance routine, and receive a Mane
Attraction Bag. Refreshments will be supplied.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Registration is
$30 onthe day of the clinic. For pre-registration
and additional information, call-Terri at 407-
977-1627.
The Antique Appraisal Fair will take place
Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
at the Geneva Community Center located at
161 First St. in Geneva. Experienced appraisers
from various antique companies who specialize
in the different types of items will be on hand

I

to appraise your treasures. Cost is a $5 dona-
tion per item to be appraised to the Geneva
Historical Society.
The Rotary Club of Casselberry presents the
World's Festival; 11 exciting performances of
authentic folk dance, music and acrobats of
Asia, Middle East, Europe and Central America
on Saturday, April 4, at 3 p.m. at the Metro
Life Auditorium, 910 Winter Park Drive in
Casselberry. Come taste a wide variety of
ethnic cuisine vendors and experience cul-
tural art and craft exhibitions. Prizes of over
$2,000 in total value will be raffled away
between performances. Admission is free.
For more information, browse RotaryFestival.
org or contact 407-831-0176 or mao.ivan@
gmail.com
Register now for "Heart 2 Heart," a fun,
unforgettable one-day workshop for couples
who are serious about deepening their love
connection for the April 11 and May 23 dates
- at the Canterbury Retreat and Conference
Center in Oviedo. Strengthen your relationship,
learn more about each other's personalities
and find ways to communicate more effec-
tively through a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.

.- _~ "-..

E.O. J iD .D DE

E~Z~I~

EPE~E~ Vi~2E~f~iX2

Call us @ The Voice:

407.563.7000

EL~XYi!7L~

Register online at Heart2Heart4Couples.com or
call 407-577-2820.
Register now for summer art classes
instructed by Gallery On First's very own
Cherie Dacko. Classes cost $105 and include
all materials. "Art from Junk," ages 7 to 12,
Monday, June 22, to Friday, June 26, from 9:30
a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; "Old Masters for Young

Artists," ages 7 to 12, Monday, July 6, to Friday,
July 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; "Teen
Class Mixed Media," ages 13 to 16,'Monday,
July 13, to Friday, July 17, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.;
"Art Safari," ages 7 to 12, Monday, July 20, to
Friday, July 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
For more information, contact Cherie Dacko at
407-772-4548, on her cell at 407-496-9524 or
e-mail cherieart@cfl.rr.com for registration.

PHOTOS BY JENNY ANDREASSON THE VOICE
Music by the Leftover Biscuits, above, filtered throughout the
Strawberry Festival, held Saturday at the First United Methodist
Church of Geneva. Abigail Price, 2, top right, readies a mouthful of
strawberry shortcake, smothered in whipped cream.

response to the December 1979 Soviet incursion into Afghanistan,
the United States will boycott the 1980 Olympics inMoscow. It
marked the first and only time that the United States has boycot-
ted the Olympics.

Surprising game ends Knights' season

ISAAC BABCOCK
THE VOICE

UCF basketball star
Jermaine Taylor has been
named player of the year
by Conference USA, just in
time for the Knights to start
- and finish their run
through the playoffs. The
senior guard had averaged
29:1 points per game during
the regular season set-
ting a C-USA record in the
process.
The award came despite
the Knights' lackluster per-
formance during the regu-
lar season, and a devastat-
ing loss in the first round
of the C-USA champion-
ship. During the regular
season, the Knights boasted
just a 17-13 record, and a
7-9 C-USA record. Of th6se
30 games, all but one saw
Taylor lead his team in.scor--
ing.
He averaged a stellar 32.4
points in the final 10 games
of the season, even while
his team was finishing with
a dismal 3-7 record during
that time, including its two
worst losing streaks of the
year.
Taylor's effort wasn't
enough in the Knights'
final game, as they fell to
Southern Miss in Memphis
on Wednesday, March 11.
The Knights got lucky
in their C-USA tournament
first-roundmatchup.Agame
against Southern Miss, one
of the worst-ranked teams
in the conference, gave
them one of the statistically
greatest chances of winning
in the tournament.

PHOTO BY ISAAC BABCOCK -
Jermaine Taylor's strong regular season performance couldn't keep his team in the playoffs. Teammate A.J. Tyler led the Knights in their logs to Southern Miss.

The Knights had faced
the Golden Eagles only once
this season, coming away
with a 73-61 win in that
contest. That was during
the Knights' longest and
last winning streak.
But with a far better
record than the Eagles'
14-16 overall and 4-12 his-
tory in the conference, the
Knights had a strong chance
of making it to the quarter-
final round.

That was the plan early score to nearly double the
on, as the Knights jumped Knights' number, and tak-
out to an early lead, dou- ing command of the game's
bling the Golden Eagles in momentum.
points. But by the end of And during that run
the first period of play, the Taylor was nowhere to be
Knights were in big trouble. found, as forward A.J. Tyler
After climbing to a slim took the reins for the first
lead with 12 points on the time this season and led
board to the Eagles' 8, the his team in scoring and
Knights watched in horror rebounds.
as the Eagles launched into Absent Taylor's shoot-
a run of more than a dozen, ing, the Knights' effective-
points, -skyrocketing the ness at the hoop dropped

drastically, with the whole
team shooting just 35.7 per-
cent overall. The Eagles shot
46.6 percent, eclipsing the
Knights' overall shooting
-with their 3-point shooting
alone, at 38.5 percent.
The loss ended the
Knights' season and
Taylor's UCF career on a
low note, but he's expected
to be picked very high in
the 2009 NBA draft.

Lady Knights in Cant g

NCAA tournament

ISAAC BABCOCK
THE VOICE

The University of Central Florida
women's basketball team has been
on a roll in the past two weeks, clean-
ing up where the men's basketball
team messed up. They dominated.
in the Conference USA Tournament
and now are on their way to the
NCAA Championship tournament in
Chattanooga, Tenn.
The Knights have a 17-16 record
entering the tournament, coming off
a 6-0 run to end the season that led
them to the C-USA Championship.
They won that in overtime against
Southern Miss, with a devastating
scoring run that gave them a 65-54
win.
Coach Joi Williams cut down

the net as the Knights celebrated
on the floor in New Orleans, NCAA
Tournament-bound.
At noon Saturday they'll face their
first opponent .of the tournament,
the University of North Carolina.
The teams haven't met for nearly 22
years. The last time they did, UNC
humiliated UCF 99-51.
That's bad news for the relatively
green Knights, who have only been
to the tournament twice in the pro-
gram's history, losing both times in
the first round. The Tar Heels have a
27-6 record this season and a 38-19
record overall at the tournament,
bowing out in the quarterfinals last
year.
The game will be televised on
ESPN 2. If the Knights manage a win,
they'll play the winner of Purdue ver-
sus Charlotte on Monday.

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements.
Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.

The voice

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Restaurant Owners...
Right Now Consumers In Your Area

Are Thinking About .

Where To Dine Out.

Don't you wish they had

your ad In their hands?

Advertise today!
Call 407-563-7000

- I :_

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Page A14 March 20 April 2, 2009 The Voice

THIS WEEK in political history

is published. It sells 300,000 copies within three months. While
living in Cincinnati, Stowe encountered fugitive slaves and the
Underground Railroad. Later, she wrote "Uncle Tom's Cabin" in
VOIE reaction to recently tightened fugitive slave laws.

Local recruiter offers advice topotential job hunters

EMPLOYMENT

Ask

Sanci.

Dear Sandi:
I am a recruiter for a local compa-
ny and41have to share apet peeve
S withV~uWhen t call people for a
telephone interview of an in-per-
son interview I never know what
to expect. If people are wondering
why they do not get calls, maybe
they should check their answer-
ing machines and the people who
answer their phones. ,
Here:are just a few examples of
my experiences: I called a gentle-

man the other day for an interview
and after about 5 minutes of a
vulgar rap song on his machine, I
had to ask myself why I was still.
holding on. When he answered he
said "sup." I identified myself as a
recruiter and he spoke to me as if
I had never been cussed at by his
song. (I did not hire him)
Another favorite is calling only
to have the machine say the voice
'mail is full. I do not have tinr_-:.
to keep calling inunl someone
answers.
And then there was the time a
lady answered who did not speak a
word of English and kept hanging
up on me...
And one more thing, if someone
is sitting in front of me in an inter-
view and tells me they have tol take

the call that is coming in on their
cell phone, I am not offering them
the job. It is just rude.
I thought this might help some
of your readers to understand
why they might not hear from us.
Thank you!
Not calling back

Dear Not Calling Back:
Thank you for sharing! I hope this
willprompt some people to check
their phones.
Sandi
For more resume tips or assis-
tance, please visit our Web site at
www.cfec.org.
CFEC is hosting a job fair semi-
nar on March 25. For more infor-

TA KSANDI.
: Sandi Vidl (sne executive director for Christan-
HELP and the Central Florida Einployment Council,
with more than 10 years of recruiting and human
i resources experience. Please send questions
about employment by fax 407-260-2949, sandi@
christianhelp.org, or mail Ask SandiO /Christian
HELP, 450 Seminola.Blvd., Casselberry, FL 32707.
Subjects may include employment search,
resumes, networking and promotion opportunities.
Employers: E-mail your job leads to cfec@cfec.org
and we will share them with Christian HELP clients
!

Letters to

City heads are killing progress

Narcissism is the infantile
stage of development that
Transcends into later years.
The current state of affairs
in the city of Winter Springs'
overall administration could
very well translate into a mor-
bid state of mind.
Instead of the strategized,
planned legacy for our chil-
dren and grandchildren, we
seem to be abandoning the
vision of the future and turn-
ing back the clock in order
t:o satiate the egotistic thirst
of some of our public offi-
cials. We are turning back the
clock on the issue of on-street
parking, a safety issue due
to the narrow streets in our
neighborhoods; we are water-
ing down the "Commercial.
Parking" ordinance, which
was demanded by the resi-
dents of our city and took
almost one year to approve;
we are considering dilut-
ing the "Town Center Code"

which took years and long
hours to produce, besides the
fact that the architectural
design and the Code were
approved by the residents
of our city; and there is also
talk about watering down the
City Charter our own small
Constitution for personal
greed and satisfaction.
Mr. John Des, in a recent
e-mail, delivered the follow-
ing message that befits the
21st century political scene:
"New element discovered:
"Canada's very own Cannot
Laboratory-has discovered
the heaviest element yet
known to science. The new
element, Governmentium
(symbol = Gv) has one neu-
tron, 25 assistant neutrons,
88 deputy neutrons, and 198
. assistant deputy neutrons
giving it a molecular weight
of 312. These 312 particles
are held together by forces
called morons, which are sur-

rounded by vast quantities of
lapton-like particles called
peons.... Governmentium
has a variable half-life rang-
ing from two to six years. It
does not decay, but periodi-
cally loses an election shell,
after which a portion of
the assistant neutrons and
deputy neutrons exchange
places, dissipating millions
of dolts under conditions of
near-perfect vacuum.... When
showered continuously with
golden raise, Governmentium
becomes Administration
(symbol = Ad), an unwieldy
element that sinks under its
own weight, since it contains
half as many peons but twice
as many morons."
Hope it is entertaining, and
the grammatical errors are
purposely inserted to amuse
the readers.
Edward Martinez Jr.
Winter Springs

""Copyrightied trial

Syndicalted Content

Available from Commercial News Providers"

To-A

Here's what kids at
Oviedo High School
had to say about
their senior year and

college plans.

7,

Senior lunches are
great and we try
to plan where we
want to go. When I
graduate I'm going
to Stetsons on a golf
scholarship.
Adam K.
18 years old

I'm going to UF, prob-
ably study poly sci-
ence or engineering
and then go on to law
school. Senior perks
like senior lunches
and leaving early are
great.
Alyssa G.
18 years old

I'll be going to Santa
Fe College near UF;
not sure of my major
yet. As seniors we
have an example to
set for others.
Kyle S.
18 years old

I'm going to UCF Honors College
I as an environmental engineer. I
am part of "Inventeam" we Will
present our invention at MIT this
summer. Sara W.
18 years old

_We would
love
I'm going to
Tallahasseeto
Community College
for two years and fro m i
then will come back
to the Rosen College
here at UCF since I'm Young1,;
studying hospitality
management. 7
Chelsey L. Call Isaac Babcock at 407-563-7023 to
18 years old have The Voice visit your class or group.

-. -../. .
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bnw

lh .

The Voice March 20 April 2, 2009 Pa~ie Al 5

Marketplace

REALTORS:
Licensed Real Estate Professionals needing
to earn additional income. Become a
part time or full time loan officer. Control
your own closings. Gain access to
hundreds of mortgage programs. Save
your clients thousands of dollars. Call
Maitland Mortgage Lending Company
(407)629-5626
ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE
Account Representative needed to work
on behalf ot our company. 18+ needed
and must have computer skills. Accounting
experience needed. Any job experience.
Email to mclarkemployment111@gmail.
cor for more information.
EXPERIENCED DRIVERS WANTED
Experienced Drivers W/ Class A CDL. Home
weekly, East Coast Runs, Fruit and'Foliage
up and refrigerated back. MCT @ 800-814-
2934
DIAMOND CONSULTING INVESTMENTS
We need people that would work for us as
discreet shoppers. All applicants would be
given a free work guide. The requirement:
must be computer-literate, be devoted
and honest. For more details contact us:
asifith05blive.com
EXPERIENCED DRIVERS WANTED
Experienced Drivers W/Class A CDL, Home
weekly, East Coast Runs, Foliage up and
refrigerated back. Call MCT @ 800-309-
0942
OFFICE ASSISTANT
Oviedo Firm is looking for an office assistant.
Responsibilities will include receptionist,
filing, general office help. Construction
experience helpful but not necessary.
Position will start as a part-time position
with the possibility of full-time in the future.
Please fax resume to 407-268-3320

MAKE THIS HOUSE YOUR HOME
Much care and planning went into the
rebuilding of this 1959 three-bedroom and
two-bath home. We've opened it up so that
when you walk in the front door you see
the huge backyard. This home met all 2008
building codes and is so energy efficient the
electric bills have averaged less than $80
per month.
This charming home will be worry-free for
years. Priced at $185,000 it's a good value.
Owner financing will make it quick and easy
to purchase. Call 407-396-6830 or 407-
592-7407 for a private showing or drive by
2106 Dorris Drive for a quick look. It is close
to Full Sail University and UCF and across
the street from a private school. Homes in
this quiet area feed into top-rated Winter
Park schools.
Features:
New Torch down roof
All-new high-efficiency a/c
New aluminum soffit and fascia
All new duct work
New double-hung thermal windows (Solar
shield in Florida room)
All new electrical wiring, receptacles,
switches, fixtures and service panel
Window treatments throughout
All new interior and exterior doors, locks
and hardware
All new 150 amp underground service
Reconditioned allergy-free terrazzo floors
'*Underground phone and cable
All new plumbing, plumbing -fixtures,
faucets and water heater
All new insulation, drywall
Cable and phone in every room.
All new paint inside and out
Extra receptacles in the kitchen
New tile in baths, Florida room and butler's
pantry
New all wood kitchen cabinets
All new Energy-Star Frigidaire stainless-
steel dishwasher, refrigerator, stove,
microwave/hood
Washer/dryer included
No HOA
Np city taxes
Central fire alarm system
First-time buyer credit

Reading volunteers NEEDED Jackson
Heights Middle School in Oviedo is looking
for adults who are interested in serving as a
Reading Mentor to assist students who are
reading below grade level. Volunteers work
one-on-onewith an assigned student before
school for 30 minutes, one or more times
a week through the end of the school year
to build fluency.and comprehension skills.
Sessions are from 8:30-9:00 a.m., M-F.
Please contact Connie O'Hanlon for more
information, 407-365-7585.

Sh ou ld it b e (klase fid'ad'ver z'ing)Noun. Advertising
ShIouldl it bC compactly arranged, as in newspaper
- T .-, -- columns, according to subject, under such
.- listings as help wanted and for sale

Down payment
assistance
available!
Financing available to those who qualify.

NT.
0"40 N_,. J
_K

Located on a beautiful campus setting, our two Savannah Court
communities provide full assisted living services while Savannah
Cottage offers a secured residence for those with memory loss.
* Restaurant Style Dining Experience
* Vibrant and Extensive Activities Program
* 24/7 Well Trained and Caring Associates
* Laundry, Housekeeping and Linen Services
* Scheduled Transportation and Fun Outings
* Individualized Services and Care
Call us today, stop by for a visit, join us for lunch, or all
of the above! You are always welcome at Savannah Court and
Cottage of Oviedo.